Sargon II, Ashdod, and Isaiah 20:1 via Ferrell Jenkins

Sargon II, Ashdod, and Isaiah 20:1

Posted on August 22, 2013 | 4 Comments

Ashdod was located along an international highway known as the Way of the Sea, the Way of Philistia, or the Via Maris. This was the important route connecting Egypt and Assyria. We have already discussed, in the past few posts, that the Assyrian king Sargon II captured Ashdod in 712/11 B.C. The prophet Isaiah makes reference to this event in Isaiah 20:1.

The LORD revealed the following message during the year in which King Sargon of Assyria sent his commanding general to Ashdod, and he fought against it and captured it. (Isa 20:1 NET)

Sometime discoveries are made, but get little attention. A discovery at Tel Ashdod in 1963 falls into this category. Tel Ashdod was excavated from 1962 to 1972 under the direction of Moshe Dothan. David Noel Freedman wrote an article in Biblical Archaeologist (26:4, 1963)) about “The Second Season at Ancient Ashdod.” He describes the fragments of a stele of Sargon II.

Fragments of another stele, commemorating the victories of Sargon, were found at Ashdod during the current season, thus offering direct confirmation and vivid illustration of the biblical and Assyrian accounts. In all, three pieces of the stele were discovered. Enough can be made of their contents to show that the inscription duplicated in content if not precisely in wording other victory steles of the Assyrian king. By comparing the Ashdod stele with the others it will be possible to reconstruct the missing parts, one of which described the actual conquest of Ashdod. The inscription was carved in cuneiform signs characteristic of Sargon and his period, on all four sides of a slab of basalt which had been imported from a region north of Megiddo. It may have served as a pedestal for an obelisk, or a statue of the emperor. It must have been erected between the year of victory at Ashdod and the death of the king in 705 B.C., perhaps in 707 when a similar stele was set up in Cyprus. With the accession of Sennacherib in 704, most of the vessel countries revolted; Hezekiah of Judah and Sidqa of Ashkelon were the ringleaders in the west. They were able to liberate Ashdod from Assyrian control, and doubtless the event was observed by the destruction of Sargon’s victory stele, symbol of foreign oppression. These fragments of a monumental Assyrian inscription are the first ever found in Palestine.

The photos below were published in an article by Hayam Tadmor (“Philistia Under Assyrian Rule.” Biblical Archaeologist (29:3, 1966). Several years ago I used a digital camera to copy the photo. Sorry it is not better, but at least you can see the pieces. A photo of the piece in the middle below is also published in a BAR article (Jan-Feb, 2007) by H. Shanks on the “Assyrian Palace Discovered in Ashdod,” but the quality is about the same.

Fragment of the Sargon II inscription found at Ashdod.

For several years the fragments were displayed in a case across from the replica of the Siege of Lachish in the Israel Museum. For the past years the fragments have not been on display. I made inquiry at the Museum earlier this year without any success. I wonder if the pieces have been moved to the Corine Maman Museum of Philistine Culture in Ashdod. Can anyone help with this?

This discovery is one of those that complement the biblical record. Sargon II (721–705 B.C.) is mentioned only once in the Bible — Isaiah 20:1. Isaiah says that the commanding general of Sargon II fought against Ashdod and captured it.

The photo below shows Sargon II (right) facing a person who is generally considered to be an Assyrian high dignitary. (See the discussion in Fant & Reddish, Lost Treasures of the Bible, 133-140.

Sargon II and an official. Displayed in Louvre. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Jack Finegan says of the reference to Sargon II in Isaiah 20:1,

… for a long time this was the only place in extant literature where his name was known.

The palace of Sargon II was discovered by Paul Emile Botta at Khorsabad in 1843. This relief comes from that palace, and is displayed in the Louvre. Other reliefs and artifacts from the palace are exhibited in the British Museum and the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago.

Written copies of Isaiah existed in what we know as the Dead Sea Scrolls nearly 2000 years before the discovery of Sargon’s palace and archive. Perhaps we should be slow to think of Isaiah and other biblical writers as being unhistorical. To say this in a positive way, this illustrates the historical trustworthiness of the Bible. That the only reference to Sargon is specifically linked to Ashdod is even more impressive.

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Greater Works Than These

Greater Works Than These

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." 

Jn.14:12

Have you ever thought of the things you do as part of your worship to God. Many associate worship only with coming to formal services on Sunday, however worship is what brings glory to God. Paul defined this in Rom.12:1 "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." In 1 Cor.12:7-11, Paul teaches that God gives people abilities through the Spirit as it pleases Him!  So, what we have, what we do is meant to glorify God.  Jesus admonishes all in Jn.16:8, “When you produce much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified.”  

So, what is it about you that makes God smile? Some people think God only smiles when you’re praying or singing or going to church. The truth is, God smiles when you use what He has given you to glorify Him before others.  God gave some the ability to run, others to ride bikes, drive fast cars, solve minute calculations, become entrepreneurs  etc. They’re just good at it. The question is, whether the gift is physical or spiritual, are you using it and yourself to be a sacrifice to God daily? When you use your gifts correctly, God gets the glory. God doesn't expect you to be talented or gifted at everything. He just wants you to use what he’s given you.

Did you know that In the Bible, the word “joy” and the word “gift’ actually come from the same root word in Greek. It’s the same base word used for “grace.” When you use your spiritual gifts, it brings joy to God, and it brings joy to you. The greatest feeling in the world comes from using your gifts for God’s purpose because it works, and you know it, and you enjoy it. It is the greatest thrill in the world to know that God is using you for His purpose. Learn to develop the spiritual gifts that are in you so you can enjoy your life and bring glory to God. There’s no feeling in the world like being used by God, knowing that you’re doing what he made you to do.

Jim

Bible Character on Pottery Fragment

via Ferrell Jenkins blog

City of David inscription may name a Bible character

Posted on August 19, 2013 |

The Israel Antiquities Authority announced Sunday the discovery of “a layer of rich finds including thousands of broken pottery shards, clay lamps and figurines … in the area of the Gihon Spring in the City of David, in the Walls around Jerusalem National Park.”

Most intriguing is the recent discovery of a ceramic bowl with a partially preserved inscription in ancient Hebrew. While not complete, the inscription presents us with the name of a seventh century BCE figure, which resembles other names known to us from both the Biblical and archaeological record [see Press Release] and providing us with a connection to the people living in Jerusalem at the end of the First Temple period.

Pottery sherd of a bowl from the end of the First Temple Period, bearing the inscription “ryhu bn bnh.” Photo: Clara Amit, Israel Antiquities Authority.

Dr. Joe Uziel and Nashon Zanton, directors of the dig, were working in ruins belonging to the period of the destruction of the Temple by the Babylonians when the inscription was found. They say that the name most similar to the inscription is “Zechariah the son of Benaiah, the father of the Prophet Jahaziel.”

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:14-1k5 ESV)

More information about this discovery is available in the IAA Press Release here. Other finds from the same area, shown in the photo below, are impressive.

Various finds from the fill layer of the end of the First Temple Period: oil lamps, LMLK stamped handles and female figurines. Photo: Clara Amit, Israel Antiquities Authority.

HT: Joseph I. Lauer; Todd Bolen, Bible Places Blog (see here for more news links)

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Redeemed - Do you know what it means?

The Bible states in 2 Peter 2:19, “You are a slave to whatever controls you”. Based on this alone, all of us are slaves to something - whatever controls us. This is why a Savior is such an important thing, for without a Savior we are lost in the sin which has controlled us. And Isaiah has stated very distinctly  "but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear." Isa 59:2  

The book of Hosea presents what is the best written concept of the need of a Savior than any other book. In the center of the marketplace, you're in the middle of an auction, because YOU are what is being bid upon. As each successive bid is shouted out, you look in the eyes of those who are bidding on you and try to size them up. Are they kind or cruel? How hard will your labor have to be? How grueling is the master you are getting ready to serve?  Just as the auction is winding down, a stranger from the crowd stands up and offers a bid a thousand times higher than anyone else’s bid. There is no way anyone could ever match or beat the bid. As the auctioneer hastily accepts it, you look into that stranger’s eyes and realize he isn’t bidding on you to use you, like a slave. He’s buying you in order to set you free. This is what Jesus did for us!  He paid the price to set you free. The price for your freedom was so high you could never pay it. But he paid it for you. All of those sins that were on your shoulders? They were removed - placed upon Jesus, "who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." Rom 4:25  

Yet, people do not take advantage of the freedom that Christ has purchased. Even if you’re a follower of Jesus, you may not be living in that freedom. You may be allowing yourself to be controlled by your desires, your relationships, schedule, or your fears.  So many people spend their lives seeking significance and freedom on manmade dead-end passes. Yet, the truth is stated in the Psalms, Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, (Psalm 49:7-8)

In what ways do you let things other than God have mastery over your life?  How does knowing and reflecting upon what Jesus went through to pay for your freedom change how you embrace that freedom? "But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?" Gal 4:9  

Jim

Sunday Night Notes

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against …

Passages with similar language (Eph.1:20,21; 2:2; 3:10; Col.2:14; 1 Pt.3:22)


Principalities - chief rule or rulers in the world

Powers - delegated powers spiritual or otherwise

the world's rulers – “shady rulers” epithet For Satan

darkness of this age – that which influences and increases

spiritual wickedness in high places. – Heaven and Earth

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God In Our Lives

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 

(James 1:5-6)

We all want God to be in our lives, to see and feel the presence of God around us. In this past Sunday's lesson, we learned that abiding in Christ (Jn.15:4) is that wordless, secret conversation between you and God that doesn't cease.  James teaches us two particular things that you have to have in place, in order for that level of conversation to occur.

1.) You have to ask the right person, God.   So many times we say, “God, please guide me!” and we walk away, not even waiting for guidance. We just immediately start to work. We say, “God, I want you to give me wisdom; help me make the right decision.” But we don’t really expect him to do that. We think it all depends on us. It doesn't!  It depends on God! That's what James says, that we have to learn to place our dependence, trust, and expectation in God. 

2.) You have to ask with the right attitude — in faith, expecting an answer.  Have you ever asked God for something and didn't expect to get it? That’s why you didn't get it. God works in our lives according to faith. God has promised to give us wisdom, if we will ask. Wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view, not our own. It is the ability to make decisions the way God makes decisions, or the wisdom to allow God to make the decision. 

When have you seen God answer a specific prayer in your life or the life of another? Hasn't it always been when total trust in God was given? Wasn't it always when you couldn't do it yourself? When you had to cry out to God because you didn't know how? When your expectations came to the point of being powerless to do it of yourself?

Try keeping a journal of all your prayer requests, and then record how you see God answering your prayers. Do this for a three month period and then go back and review what you wrote. I think you'll be amazed, at how much you will see God interacting with you - and in ways that you did not expect!

Jim

Masada and The Bible via Ferrell Jenkins

Is Masada mentioned in the Bible?

Posted on August 7, 2013 | 6 Comments

N.B. This is post number 1500 since our beginning in 2007.

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The Hebrew word masada is generally translated stronghold or fortress in the English Bible. Gordon Franz (lifeandland.org) says King David visited the site of Masada at least three times.

1. After sending his parents to Moab (1 Samuel 22:1-5). Take a look at the previous post with the photos and map showing the lisan (tongue) of the Dead Sea. I envision this as the place where David could most easily cross to Moab and then return to the stronghold. 2. After he spared Saul’s life at Engedi (En Gedi) (1 Samuel 24:22). 3. When the Philistines were searching for him (2 Samuel 5:17).

This photo gives some idea of the fortress-like quality under consideration. Note the Dead Sea, the Lisan, and the mountains of Moab in the distance.

After a cable-car ride, or by walking the snake path for about an hour one reaches the entrance to the rock fortress of Masada. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

At least four of David’s psalms mention masada.

1. Psalm 18:2 (fortress). — “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (ESV) 2. Psalm 31:2-3 — “Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;” (ESV) 3. Psalm 71:1, 3 (fortress). — “In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! 2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! 3 Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” (ESV) 4. Psalm 144:1-2 (fortress). — “Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; 2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.” (ESV)

We are uncertain about authorship of Psalm 91:1-2 (fortress). Beitzel, in The New Moody Atlas of the Bible, places David at Masada (p. 151; map 58).

Psalm 66:11 uses the word masada (translated net, trap or prison).

This photo was made from the top of Masada with a view toward the Dead Sea. The walk below leads to the site of Herod’s palace. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Understand that we are not referring to the Masada built by Herod the Great and later used by Jewish zealots during the period of A.D. 70-72. The stronghold had already been there for millennia.

The article by Gordon Franz is brief, but well documented. Read it here.

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Jesus' Crucifixion Not just Biblical Record

From my morning studies and information gathered from different sources and http://www.bethlehemstar.net 

Ancient non-Biblical historians record that Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate (i.e.,Tacitus). Pilate was Roman procurator of Judea during the years 26 AD through 36 AD. The occurrence of the star, travel of the Magi, reaction of Herod etc. all point to Jesus being born in 3/2 BC. Jesus began his public ministry when he “was about 30 years old” (Lk.3:23), and the Book of John records three annual Passovers during Jesus’ ministry (Jn.2:23; 6:4; 13:1). Taken together, these bring us to a crucifixion date in the early 30’s, AD.  During those years, Nisan 14 fell on a Friday, Preparation Day, TWICE  on April 7 of 30 AD and April 3 of 33 AD ( Jack Finegan, The Handbook of Biblical Chronology).  

In Daniel’s prophecy (Dan.9:21-26) Gabriel said to count “from the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.” The prophet Nehemiah records it as the twentieth year of Artaxerxes. On our calendar, that date is 444 BC. Counting 476 years from 444 BC, and remembering that there is no year numbered “zero” AD, we discover what Gabriel told Daniel: the Messiah would be cut off in 33 AD. So, we have the year.  

Peter in Acts 2 says that Joel’s prophecy was being fulfilled in which the Sun would darken and moon turn to blood before the great and notable day of the Lord would come. We already know from biblical account, that Mk.15:33 that the Sun darkened beginning at the 6th hour (Noon) until the 9th hour (3pm). TRALLIANUS, OLYMPIADES records in the year of the 202nd Olympiad “a failure of the Sun took place greater than any previously known, and night came on at the sixth hour of the day [noon], so that stars actually appeared in the sky; and a great earthquake took place in Bithynia and overthrew the greater part of Niceaea,” 

There is only one Passover lunar eclipse  visible from Jerusalem while during the combination of these events -on April 3, 33 AD.

Can you FEEL IT?

  fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

Isa 41:10

This is a familiar scripture that you hear in song and see on many posters.  The promise of God to be there for us, uphold us, and be our strength for us. Yet for many, such faith does not come so quickly. Our circumstances, lives, billows and waves get in the way.  And if we allow them, they can become so dark that they will seek to block God out altogether. Therein lies the danger, and therein lies the Devil's greatest strength and lie.  

Your circumstances cannot change the character of God. God is God no matter where you are. He is still there in full force; He is still for you, even when you can't "feel it." Intellect and emotion have to balance one another in service to God.  If I have all intellect, but no emotion, then my faith is empty. If my faith is all emotion but no intellect, then I am not basing my faith on truth. In the same sense, we cannot become emotionless beings, acting on facts alone. Only the facts may be truthful, but it has no emotion, understanding, love, grace, or mercy. It is alone.  In the same manner, to have all emotion and no fact of truth is to operate without a guide. Faith then is a presumption based on how you feel, and if something disappoints you and lets down your emotion then there is nothing to hold up your faith. Jesus said we must worship in "spirit and in truth" Jn.4:24.

Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about God:  He is good, he loves you, he is with you, he knows what you’re going through, he cares, and he has a good plan for your life. Raymond Edman, once said, “Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.”

So, what has God told you in the light that you now doubt in the dark? Why do you doubt God now, when what has done for you in the past has proven that He knows you? Remember, your circumstances cannot change the character of God, but they can change you!  Paul reminded Timothy, "A soldier on active duty wants to please his commanding officer and so does not get mixed up in the affairs of civilian life. " 2 Tim 2:4 And when our circumstances threaten to swallow us, we must remind ourselves,  "..looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." Heb 12:2,3 

Is your life a cacophony of emotions and mayhem that toss you around like a rag doll? Does it make you wonder if God is there, or even if there is a God at all? Does it make God seem small in comparison to what you face?  If so, then remember two things.  

1. 1 Cor 14:33  For God is not a God of confusion but of peace 
2. 1 Pet 5:8  Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 

Take care if you are in this stage of life, for it is exactly where Satan wants you to be - in a place where you will forget God!

Jim